Ligaments of vertebral column Flashcards
Location of anterior longitudinal ligament
Runs from anterior tubercle of atlas to sacrum
What is the anterior longitudinal ligament united with
Periosteum of vertebral bodies
What does the anterior longitudinal ligament prevent
Hyperextension
Is the anterior or posterior longitudinal ligament stronger
Anterior
Location of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Runs from body of axis to sacral canal
What does the posterior longitudinal ligament prevent
Hyper flexion
What is the tectorial membrane
Thinner continuation of posterior longitudinal ligament, superior to axis
How are the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments named
Position relative to vertebral bodies
What colour is the ligamentum flavum
Why
Yellow
High elastic fibre content
Location of ligamentum flavum
Between laminae of adjacent vertebrae
When is the ligamentum flavum stretched
During flexion
Where is the interspinous ligament well developed
How does this aid it’s function
Lumbar region
Gives stability during Flexion
Structure of Interspinous ligament
Weak sheets of fibrous tissue
What does the interspinous ligament fuse with
Supraspinous ligament
Location of interspinous ligament
Unite adjacent spinous processes
Location of supraspinous ligament
Unite adjacent spinous processes
Structure of supraspinous ligament
Strong bands of white fibrous tissue
When are supraspinous ligaments lax and tight
How does this aid function
Lax in extension and tight in flexion
Provides mechanical support of VC
Location of ligamentum nuchae
Runs between:
external occipital protruberance
Spinous processes of all cervical vertebrae
Functions of ligamentum nuchae
Maintains secondary curvature of cervical spine
Aids cervical spine in supporting the head
Major site of attachment of neck/trunk muscles
What are the ligaments of the VC
Anterior longitudinal ligament Posterior longitudinal ligament Ligamentum flavum Interspinous ligament Supraspinous ligament Ligamentum nuchae
